An anonymous benefactor has committed $150,000 to support the renovation of the WinnMed Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine gym and Cardiac Rehabilitation spaces. The gift was announced to the WinnMed Board of Trustees during its October meeting.
Planning for improvements to the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine department began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for services continued to grow and additional therapists joined the team. Phase One of the project was completed in 2022 and included renovations to the waiting area, treatment rooms, therapy spaces, and staff work areas.
Progress on the next phase was temporarily paused while WinnMed focused resources on its Transforming Tomorrow facility expansion project. The rehabilitation renovation was expected to resume once conditions supported additional capital investment.
“This generous contribution has accelerated the Rehab Gym project and is helping turn years of planning into reality,” said Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer. “We’re incredibly grateful for this investment in the health and wellness of our patients and communities.”
The renovation will transform the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine gym and Cardiac Rehabilitation areas into modern, flexible spaces designed to meet current and future patient needs. Planned improvements include expanded open therapy areas for athletes and rehabilitation patients, upgraded exercise and therapy equipment, improved patient flow and enhanced accessibility to support individualized treatment and recovery programs.
Any remaining project costs will be funded through WinnMed Foundation and WinnMed reserve funds.
“We are excited about the opportunity to create a more modern, functional environment that supports our rehabilitation team and enhances the patient experience,” said Miranda Hayek, director of Rehab Services. “These improvements will help us better serve people recovering from injury, surgery, illness, or chronic conditions by providing the space and resources needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
WinnMed’s rehabilitation services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Speech-Language Pathology, and Cardiac Rehabilitation. Together, the department provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages in their Decorah, Ossian, Calmar, Cresco and Spring Grove clinics. The department also provides athletic training services to student-athletes in the Decorah, South Winneshiek, Turkey Valley, Postville, Mabel-Canton, and Spring Grove school districts, and at Luther College. Therapy services can be scheduled with or without a doctor’s referral by calling WinnMed Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at 563-387-3031.
Ben Krouse-Gagne, director of the WinnMed Foundation said, “The WinnMed Foundation’s mission is to transform and save lives by connecting benefactors with the region’s most trusted health care partner, WinnMed. This investment is a great example of that mission in action.” For giving opportunities through the WinnMed Foundation, visit WinnMed.org/donate, or call the Foundation office at 563-387-3129.
